A healthy mix of newbies, up-and-comers and seasoned surfers features in this year's Coromandel Scholastic Surfing Team.

The National Scholastic Surfing Championships are the pinnacle of junior surfing in New Zealand and this year will takes place in Gisborne from September 28 to October 2.

The 2015 Coromandel Scholastic Surfing Team has been announced this week. Photo: File

Twelve regional teams will compete at the event, with each region fielding teams of 12 surfers spread across three categories – Under 18's, Under 16's, Under 14's and Under 18's Longboard.

Team manger Janine Spiers says the 2015 Coromandel team features nine boys and three girls who are all hugely excited to have made the team.

'Surfing NZ has big events for groms and seniors, but this is a really good entry level for kids to not get to overwhelmed,” says Janine. 'It's a really good way for the junior surfers to get a taste of the competitive New Zealand scene in a way that doesn't overwhelm them.

'Also, the nice thing about the Scholastics, which makes it different to the more competitive Grom events, is they include a repecharge round.

'So if any of the kids get knocked out during one of the rounds they have a second chance, so they'll all get to surf at least two rounds, some of them may even surf up to six times.”

There's a good range of experience amongst the 12 young surfers and Janine is also pleased to see a good mix of schools represented within the team.

Members of the Coromandel team were selected based on their performances during three surf competitions held in Whangamata, Whangapoua and Waihi Beach over the past three months.

But she says selecting the team was definitely difficult as the calibre of talent was extremely high this year.

'Some really good young surfers missed out on a spot this year and it's a real shame we can only pick 12 kids for the team. But it's my hope that it's inspire kids for next year.”

While surfing is an individual sport, what Janine appreciates the most about the Scholastic championships is the fact it is a team competition.

'It's its point of difference to other competitions,” she explains. 'There are individual medals but the team standings is quite important. 'The Scholastic's is such a fun event and a great way for them these 12 young surfers to get to know each other from the different areas and schools.

'There's a great culture in the team and they're a great bunch of kids. There's some really talented surfers. We're expecting to have a great week and hope to bring home some medals.”

On behalf of the team Janine would like to give a warm thanks to Pete Mitchell from Saltwater Surf Shop in Whangamata who has supported the Coromandel team 'for as long as I can remember”.

'Every single year Pete gets a set of sweaters printed up and gives them to the kids to wear as their uniform. We just really want to thank him, the man doesn't get enough praise!”

THE 2015 COROMANDEL SCHOLASTIC SURFING TEAM:

Under 18 Boys:
Zac Curle - Katikati College
Travis Morton - Waihi College
Samuel Pitcher - Whangamata Area School

Under 16 Boys:
Jay Piper Helion - Mercury Bay Area School
Reuben Fleetwood - Whangamata Area School
Atawhai Charteris - Mercury Bay Area School

Under 14 Boys:
Dylan Preston - Whangamata Area School
Thomas Carter - Katikati College
James Scott - Mercury Bay Area School

Under 18 Girls:
Sammy Croker - Waihi College
Lily Spiers - Whangamata Area School

Under 14 Girls:
Jasmine Comrie - Waihi College